# Top 30 companies with in-house R&D in Ankara

Tamtam tracks 48 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Ankara. This list ranks the 30 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Turkish Aerospace, Hacettepe University and ROKETSAN. Their median headcount is 689. Half of them were founded in 1989 or later.

These Ankara-based companies are primarily large groups and mid-sized firms engaged in a range of industrial and technological activities, with a notable presence in defense, aerospace, and higher education. Key players include Turkish Aerospace, specializing in aircraft and space systems; ROKETSAN, focused on rockets and missiles; and Hacettepe University, a prominent institution in education and research. Other significant companies are MAN Türkiye A.Ş., a manufacturer of buses, and HİDROMEK, a global producer of construction machinery.

A clear pattern in this data is the strong concentration of defense and aerospace manufacturing, represented by companies like STM and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. Additionally, the presence of multiple large universities such as Middle East Technical University and TED University indicates a significant focus on research and development within the city's academic sector. The list also shows a mix of heavy industries, including electric power transmission by TEIAS and machinery manufacturing, alongside pharmaceutical production by GEN.

🇹🇷 Ankara · 30 companies · Updated Nov 11, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Turkish Aerospace](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/turkish-aerospace) (tusas.com)<br>A Turkish aerospace and defense firm specializing in the development, production, integration, and support of aircraft, helicopters, drones, and space systems | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 12,576 | 1973 |
| 2 | [Hacettepe University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hacettepe-university) (hacettepe.edu.tr)<br>A prestigious institution offering education, research, and public services in various fields such as health sciences, medicine, and technology | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 7,772 | 1967 |
| 3 | [ROKETSAN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/roketsan) (roketsan.com.tr)<br>Designing, developing, manufacturing rockets and missiles as a leading national institution focused on defense industry advancements. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 6,196 | 1988 |
| 4 | [Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi / Middle East Technical University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orta-dogu-teknik-universitesi-middle-east-technical-university) (metu.edu.tr)<br>A leading public technical university in Ankara, Turkey, with a focus on research and a diverse international student population | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 5,301 | 1956 |
| 5 | [TEIAS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/teias-ankara) (teias.gov.tr)<br>Leading electricity transmission operator in Turkey, integrating into international energy markets, expanding infrastructure, and operating in quality, economically, and reliably | Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 3,816 | 2001 |
| 6 | [MAN Türkiye A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/man-turkiye-a-s) (man.eu)<br>Established in 1966, this company operates a large production center in Turkey, specializing in developing and manufacturing buses for urban, travel, and mid-distance transportation | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 2,100 | 1966 |
| 7 | [STM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stm) (stm.com.tr)<br>Provides high technology project management, engineering, and consultancy services for military systems, developing domestic software and platforms for defense industry procurement operations. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 1,537 | 1991 |
| 8 | [HİDROMEK](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hidromek) (hidromek.com)<br>Global manufacturer of construction machinery, producing a wide range of equipment and attachments, with a strong international presence and numerous design awards | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 1,331 | 1978 |
| 9 | [Yüksel Proje](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yuksel-proje) (yukselproje.com.tr)<br>A leading provider of design, engineering, and consultancy services for various sectors worldwide, with a focus on sustainable and innovative projects | Civil Engineering | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 1,284 | 1978 |
| 10 | [ASTOR A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/astor-a-s) (astoras.com.tr)<br>Leading manufacturer in the electromechanical industry sector, specializing in transformers and switchgear products, with a focus on quality, innovation, and global presence | Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 1,127 | 1983 |
| 11 | [FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fnss-savunma-sistemleri-a-s) (fnss.com.tr)<br>Specializes in designing and producing armoured combat vehicles, combat engineering vehicles, turrets, and sustainability solutions for global users | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 890 | 1989 |
| 12 | [TED University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ted-university) (tedu.edu.tr)<br>A dynamic university in Ankara offering liberal arts education with a focus on developing creative, critical-minded graduates through rigorous coursework and research | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 866 | 2009 |
| 13 | [Atılım Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/at-l-m-universitesi) (atilim.edu.tr)<br>An Ankara-based foundation university established in 1997, aiming to educate knowledgeable, skilled, and socially conscious individuals who value cultural heritage and environmental sustainability | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 836 | 1997 |
| 14 | [GEN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gen-ankara) (en.genilac.com.tr)<br>Leading pharmaceutical specializing in in-licensing, out-licensing, and drug development Produces innovative therapies and competitive products for international markets with GMP-certified manufacturing facility | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 700 | 1998 |
| 15 | [Bozankaya A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bozankaya-a-s) (bozankaya.com.tr)<br>An innovative R&D-driven organization in Turkey, specializing in electric buses, rail system vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles for urban public transport | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 689 | 1989 |
| 16 | [MEFA GROUP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mefa-group) (mefaendustri.com)<br>Leading European producer of dishwasher baskets, oven grills, packaging, insulation styrofoam, rubber products, and more Specializing in R&D for automotive and aerospace sectors | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 644 | 2006 |
| 17 | [Havelsan Teknoloji Radar (HTR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/havelsan-teknoloji-radar-htr) (htr.com.tr)<br>The company specializes in radar systems, software development, electronics security, harness manufacturing, and electronics card assembly for production purposes | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 630 | 1990 |
| 18 | [General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration \| MTA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/general-directorate-of-mineral-research-and-exploration-mta) (mta.gov.tr)<br>A research organization providing mineral exploration services, geological research, geophysical surveys, technological research, and marine and environmental research | Mining | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 592 | 1935 |
| 19 | [TURKIYE SEKER FABRIKALARI A S](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/turkiye-seker-fabrikalari-a-s) (turkseker.gov.tr)<br>An Ankara-based organization specializing in the production of sugar, operating from Mithatpasa Caddesi in Turkey | Government Administration | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 592 | 1926 |
| 20 | [Nurol Makina](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nurol-makina) (nurolmakina.com.tr)<br>Steel construction and machinery production specialist focusing on industrial plants and armored military vehicles within the defense industry sector from Ankara facilities. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 565 |  |
| 21 | [AKGÜN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/akgun) (akgun.com.tr)<br>A technology-focused organization offering solutions in healthcare, telecommunications, education, and defense sectors, with expertise in software development, system integration, and information security technologies | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 519 | 1986 |
| 22 | [YİĞİT AKÜ](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yigit-aku) (yigitaku.com)<br>Established in 1976, the company is a leading manufacturer of batteries, particularly lithium batteries for electric vehicles, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 519 | 1976 |
| 23 | [Ufuk Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ufuk-universitesi) (ufuk.edu.tr)<br>The organization is a foundation university offering a wide range of faculties, schools, healthcare services, and support facilities at two campuses | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 475 | 1999 |
| 24 | [Drogsan Pharmaceuticals](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/drogsan-pharmaceuticals) (drogsan.com.tr)<br>A pioneer Turkish pharmaceutical firm with 45 years of experience in R&D, manufacturing, and marketing high quality products globally | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 474 | 1975 |
| 25 | [Meteksan Savunma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/meteksan-savunma) (meteksan.com)<br>Specializing in high-tech defense products, this organization develops radar, surveillance, communication, and acoustic systems for military and security forces, while also supporting education through scholarships | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 449 | 2006 |
| 26 | [Lokman Hekim Universitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lokman-hekim-universitesi) (linktr.ee)<br>Specialized university in health sciences offering education, conducting research, developing medical technology, contributing to the economy, and promoting healthy living through projects | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 419 | 2017 |
| 27 | [TUBITAK UZAY](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tubitak-uzay) (uzay.tubitak.gov.tr)<br>Specializing in space technologies, electronics, and information technologies Leading R&D projects, small satellite design, and fostering international collaboration in space | Research Services | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 418 | 1985 |
| 28 | [APPS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/apps) (apps.com.tr)<br>A mobile app development team that transitioned into a successful game development company, focusing on creating a great working environment for self-leading individuals | Mobile Gaming Apps | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 405 | 2016 |
| 29 | [GİB Teknoloji](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gib-teknoloji) (teknoloji.gib.gov.tr)<br>Leading the way in digital transformation | Utilities | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 383 |  |
| 30 | [Yayla Agro](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yayla-agro) (yaylaagro.com)<br>A leading player in the food and legume sector, specializing in global production and branding with a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability | Food and Beverage Services | 🇹🇷 Ankara | 372 | 1996 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 11, 2026.

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## The same list elsewhere in Turkey

- [Companies with in-house R&D in Turkey](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-turkey) (512)
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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-ankara